Obituary of William L. Anderson

William Louis Anderson was born in Detroit Michigan on January 22, 1918, the fifth of eight children to the late James Lewis Anderson and Charlena Watkins Anderson. The family moved to Inkster in 1927. William affectionately known as Andy, Bill, Willie or Uncle Willie graduated with the first graduating class from Inkster High School in 1936. After graduation, Willie worked a short time at Ford Motor Company. William was a member of the US Army Corp of Engineers from February 1942 until his honorable discharge in October 1945. William served in both the Persian Gulf Command and in India and attained the military grade of Staff Sergeant. On August 21, 1954 at Smith Chapel AME, William was joined in holy matrimony to Minnie Francis Lucas. William was a faithful member of Smith Chapel AME until his failing health. William became an employee of Wayne County General Hospital as a hospital attendant and later became an institutional guard. Driven by a life-long habit of hard work, he was promoted to Chief of Institutional Guards- an accomplishment for which he was extremely proud, as he was the first African American to hold that position. In 1982 William was presented with a gold watch for 33 years and 10 months of service to Wayne County. William was a member and/or past member of the Adopt a Child Project, Friends of the Inkster Public Library, SE Homeowners Association of Westland, Charter Member of the Senior Citizen's Circle of Smith Chapel AME, Inkster Pioneers, Inkster Friendship Club, Former Trustee of the Wayne County Retiree's Club and Life Time NAACP member. William was a long time contributor and worker for charitable causes in Inkster and Westland. William Louis Anderson peacefully departed this life on Sunday November 28, 2010 with his great-niece by his side. He is gone but never forgotten. His wife Minnie preceded him in death and he leaves to cherish his memory: One brother, Edward Anderson of California, one sister, Nancy Landingham of Inkster, a caring niece, Nancy McKay, two dedicated and devoted great nieces & caregivers, Karen Anderson & Karmen Anderson and their mother -his caregiver, Jacqueline Anderson, a special caregiver and friend Joretta Wigley and countless other relatives and friends Memorial Services will be held on Saturday December 11, 2010at 11am, at St. Clements Episcopal Church, 4300 Harrison St, Inkster, MI 48141. Cards and Condolences may be mailed to: William L Anderson P.O. Box85434 Westland, MI 48185 In Lieu of Flowers, please make donations to: NAACP Western Wayne County Branch 2200 Canton Center Rd Ste. 220 Canton, MI 48187 William will truly be missed. Arrangements were entrusted to: Cremation Society of Michigan 15251 Harper Ave. Detroit, Michigan 48224